BLUEBAY GRAND ESMERALDA
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- ★★★★★
- Close to Playa del Carmen
- All Inclusive
- 6
- 4
- 2
- 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 3.0, 3.1
- Garza Blanca Riviera Maya
The BlueBay Grand Esmeralda is one of the most luxurious, over-the-top all-inclusive property in the Riviera Maya district; the upper-middle-range hotel has a lot to offer for families and couples who are looking for a no-hastle beach vacation. Entertainment is mostly water-based: two swimming pools, private access to a white sand beach with water sports rentals, and a kids' club with a small waterslide swimming pool. All of the rooms have a private balcony and plenty of space. The all-inclusive package really does include all drinks and restaurants, though some need to be booked a day in advance
LOCATION
The Riviera Maya District is a tourism and resort district in Playa del Carmen, south of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula. Playa del Carmen is more grown-up and sophisticated than it’s party-central sister city, Cancun, but it’s still fun and laid back, teeming with restaurants, shops, and bars that cater to tourists. You’ll also find American chains like Walmart and Starbucks here. BlueBay Grand Esmeralda is built on a thin sliver of white sandy beach, surrounded by other resorts. There isn’t much within walking distance, but the shopping district of Fifth Avenue is about 15 minutes away. Expect an hour’s drive to Cancun, which is also where the most convenient airport is located.
DELUXE GARDEN VIEW
BlueBay Grand Esmeralda hotel has 979 rooms and suites which can accomodate up to three adults or two adults and two kids. Every room is clean and super comfortable. Decor includes tile floors and white walls accented with beige and white stripes behind the beds. White furniture has an interesting engraved Mayna motif, which is replicated on white framed mirrors hanging on the walls. Nicely sized bathrooms consist of shower/tub combinations covered with fabric shower curtains and vanities with single sinks. Toiletries are presented in a woven basket and a hairdryer is mounted to the wall in each bathroom. Air-conditioning and ceiling fans keep the rooms cool. Private, furnished balconies are standard wit view of the hotel gardens. Flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and minibars are standard. Wi-Fi in the rooms costs extra. Housekeeping regularly folds towels into intricate animal shapes.
Dimension: 36m.
1 King or 2 double beds.
Full bathroom.
WiFi.
minibar.
Cafeteria/Teapot.
TV.
phone.
Air conditioning and/or ceiling fan.
Safe deposit box.
Ironing board and iron.
Hair dryer.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Traditional Mexican restaurant Reservation required. Semi-formal dress code. The dining room there is decorated with colorful fabric and prints of Frida Kahlo.
Jaal-Ha
Serves an international buffet for breakfast, then stays open all afternoon and into the evening for guest’s convenience.
Oriental
Á la carte Oriental, Reservation required.
Seafood
Á la carte Seafood, Reservation required. Semi-formal Dress code.
Steakhouse
Á la carte, steakhouse. Semi-fornal dress code.
Di´Rossi
Á la carte Italian Restaurant, Reservation required.
L’Atelier
A la carte restaurant with French cuisine.
Pros
Gorgeous and peaceful location on the beach in the Riviera Maya district
All-inclusive resort includes several on-site restaurants and bars, everything from a buffet to fine dining
Two expansive outdoor pools with ocean views and chic sun loungers
White sand beach decked out with sun loungers, water sports rentals, and thatch umbrellas
Clean and spacious rooms all have private balconies, and some have private pools and ocean views
On-site spa features an open-air swimming pool and luxury treatments
Freebies include parking and Wi-Fi in the lobby
Free chauffeured golf carts bring guests throughout the property
Daily entertainment organized by staff
Kids’ club for little ones includes a small outdoor pool
CONS
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Rooms are plain and less impressive than the common spaces
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Charge for in-room Wi-Fi, and the signal is spotty throughout the hotel
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Time-share pitches can be annoying
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Some complaints of long lines at the bars
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Some restaurants require reservations booked a day in advance
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The pools are shallow with no options for diving
